Ruby Street Quiltworks

Click picture for larger imageInstructor: Margie Horton
Class Fee: $30 (In addition a kit fee of $5.00 is payable to the instructor on the day of class)
Time: 11-3

Applique Basics I presents the basic techniques for needle turn applique with a small kit project. The kit, which you purchase from Margie in class, lets you skip over the preliminaries and jump right into stitching. The project features lots of inside and outside points and curves. It's a low pressure introduction for beginners or a good class for more experienced stitchers who would like to improve their technique. You'll pick up LOTS of tips. Follow this class with Applique Basics II to broaden your skill set even further. You'll be ready for Baltimore!

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Instructor: Cindy Williams
Class Fee: $10
Time: 12 - 2:30

The "Next Steps" course is a series of six classes designed to advance beginning quiltmakers to the next level of mastery. You may sign up for a single class, or the entire series. In each class you will complete a single quilt block using the featured technique. In this "Finishing Class" you will learn to complete a project using the blocks you have made in the series. A single class will give you one block which can be finished as a pillow, bag or placemat. Three classes give you enough blocks for a table runner. All six classes yield enough blocks for a nine block sampler quilt, which can easily be expanded to a twin size quilt. (Each of the first three classes includes a bonus block.)

Before signing up for the "Next Step" series you should know how to operate your sewing machine, use a rotary cutter safely and confidently, understand the concept of strip piecing, be able to construct half and quarter square triangle blocks, and be familiar with basic quiltmaking terminology. If you need to learn these basics, we suggest you consider taking our "Quiltmaking Basics" class before enrolling in the "Next Steps" series.

This is the last class in the series. In this class you will learn to take your blocks completed in the other classes and turn them into a project.

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Instructor: Martie Carroll
Class Fee: $40
Time: 10 - 12

Shiva Paintstiks are oil paint in a solid form. They are made of durable pigments blended with highly refined drying oils and wax solidified into a stick form resembling an oversized crayon. They are wrapped in a heavy cardboard tube that makes them easy to handle, helps keep your hands clean, and prevents the warmth of your hands from softening the paintstiks as you work. Paintstiks were originally developed as an alternative form of oil paints for fine artists, but creative people quickly discovered that they could be used on almost any surface with a porous or matte finish. Since their introduction to the market in the 1960s, paintstiks have been used on wood, fabric, metal, plastics, walls and floors as well as canvas and other artist's materials. They are a wonderful medium for painting on fabric.

Join this class and Martie will help you unleash your inner artist, or at least your inner child with a new box of crayons. Martie is a talented fiber artist who will share her expertise in using this great medium. Her classes are always popular. Learn a variety of techniques and then experiment with Martie's guidance. Guaranteed fun.

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Instructor: Martie Carroll
Class Fee: $30
Time: 12:30 - 2

Use your computer and inkjet printer to duplicate any photo, drawing or picture onto fabric without damaging the original. This class, taught by a talented and well-known, Olympia fiber artist, will cover the latest products and techniques available for creating art from your images. You will learn about transfer paper, pre-treated fabrics and do-it-yourself fabric treatments. Martie will discuss editing software, printers and inks. Bring your ideas and questions and let Martie teach you turn your images into memories.

This class is a lecture only. No supplies are necessary, but come prepared to take notes and be inspired.

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Instructor:  Rebecca Anderson
Class Fee:  $40 (the fee covers one adult and one child)
Time:  10 - 2:30 

Share the joys of quiltmaking with a "significant child" in your life. This class provides the framework for you to share your sewing skills with your special young person. You will work together to make a 15 to 20 inch quilt for a teddy bear, sock monkey or doll. You bring your experience and love of quiltmaking and the child brings his or her desire to learn and spend time with you. The result is a special quilt, a fun day, and a very special memory. The adult team member should have some basic quiltmaking experience.

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Click picture for larger imageInstructor: Margie Horton
Class Fee: $30 (In addition a kit fee of $5.00 is payable to the instructor on the day of class)
Time: 11-3

Applique Basics II takes off where Applique Basics I ended. It presents beyond-the-basics techniques for needle turn applique with a small kit project. The kit, which you purchase from Margie in class, lets you skip over the preliminaries and jump right into stitching. The project features lots of good techniques such as how to mark fabric, position pieces with a vinyl overlay, choose fabric, make bias strips and compound pieces. Beginners can build on the basics and more experienced stitchers can improve their technique. You'll pick up LOTS of tips. If you have no applique experience consider taking our Applique Basics I before enrolling in this class.

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Instructor:  Jyll Jones
Class Fee:  $25
Time:  11 - 1:30

Your sewing machine is your best quilting buddy. Taking good care of her (or him) will allow you to form a great partnership and enhance the enjoyment of your craft. Do you know where to oil your machine? How do you clean your upper thread uptake? Where does thread lint live? What causes thread "throw-up" or "bobbin barf"? What is the best thread for your project? What needle works with what thread? What threads work best in the top needle and in the bobbin? How do the two threads interact? Jyll discusses these questions and more. Home maintenance does not take the place of regular visits to the sewing machine "spa," but taking good care of your sewing buddy not only helps you prevent problems between regular maintenance visits, but helps you achieve better performance by understanding how your machine works. Treat your buddy to good care and treat yourself to a good sewing experience. PS: Jyll is a great teacher. I am always a little nervous when I look into the classroom to see all the most intimate parts of the sewing machines spread out on the table, but Jyll always sends them home whole. No part is left behind! 

Notice: This class does not cover sergers. Check the schedule for the next serger class.

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Instructor:  Martie Carroll
Class Fee:  $40 (In addition there is a $12 fee payable to the instructor on the day of the class. This fee covers all the dyes and chemicals you will need.)
Time: 1:30 - 4

Create one-of-a-kind visually complex fabric. These will make your quilts dazzle and delight. This dyeing method is flexible and unpredictable. It is fun for beginners as well as experienced dyers.

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Instructor: Rebecca Anderson
Class Fee: $25
Time: 10 - 2:30

For summer entertaining or start early for holiday gift giving. Make your choice of apron from our complete selection of Rebecca Ruth Designs, including the popular, just published "Vivian!" Rebecca's aprons are flattering and functional and she will show you how to modify your pattern to fit. As a special treat Rebecca will show a selection of vintage aprons from her extensive collection. She highlights the techniques used by our foremothers and honors their creative expression. The show is also a wonderful insight into Rebecca's own creative design process. In addition to apron construction you will gain useful tips on working with rick rack and bias tape. The aprons are well designed, the patterns are easy to follow and Rebecca's expert instruction is gentle and encouraging. This makes a great class for beginning sewers.

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